Myall Beach, Cape Tribulation
Myall Beach is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Cape Tribulation, nestled right on the edge of the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef! This stunning strip of golden sand literally sits between two World Heritage Sites, and yet remains pristine and secluded. If you're touring the Daintree Rainforest on a trip north from Cairns or Port Douglas, don't miss the chance to stroll on Myall Beach!
Where is Myall Beach?
Myall Beach is located in Cape Tribulation, in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest, Queensland. The Daintree is the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth, and it's about 3 hours north of Cairns. This remote location is a popular spot for day tours or road trips from Cairns, and you have to cross the Daintree Ferry to get here.
Once you arrive in Cape Tribulation, you'll find Myall Beach just east of the main road that runs through town (if you can call it a town, Cape Tribulation is more like a tiny collection of local businesses and houses surrounded by dense rainforest). Myall Beach is situated just south of the iconic Cape Tribulation headland that often graces the advertisements and tourism boards of the Daintree.
How to get to Cape Tribulation
Before planning your walk to Myall Beach, you'll have to get to Cape Tribulation. Most travellers begin their journey in Cairns, as it's the hub of Tropical North Queensland. Fly into Cairns and either book your guided tours to the rainforest or hire a car for your adventures.
From Cairns, you just head north along Captain Cook Highway. It's about 3 hours north of Cairns to the Daintree Ferry, and from here you just continue north along Cape Tribulation Road. It's a stunning drive as you cruise along the coastline, winding through ancient rainforests and catching glimpses of the turquoise Coral Sea along the way. Whether you're on a guided tour or a self-drive experience, you can stop at all the best beaches and attractions on the way as you head up into the quiet tranquillity of Cape Tribulation.
Check out our top Daintree Rainforest tours and experiences!
How do I access Myall Beach?
You can access the southern end of Myall Beach in Cape Tribulation by walking along the Dubuji Boardwalk. There is a small, free parking area off the eastern side of Cape Tribulation Road. This informative rainforest track consists of wooden boardwalk and some interesting signs about the mangroves, flora, and fauna. It's a beautiful walk, and the track ends right on the sand of Myall Beach!
You can also access the northern end of Myall Beach via the Kulki Boardwalk. There is also a small parking area here and a track to the Kulki Lookout, which overlooks Cape Tribulation Beach to the north. You can also follow a bushwalk from the parking lot which heads south, taking you to the top end of Myall Beach.
There is a river that separates the northern and southern ends of Myall Beach, so you can only walk the entire length of the beach at low tide. When the tide is too high, you can't cross the river so you'll only be able to stroll along one section of Myall Beach.
Can you swim at Myall Beach in Cape Tribulation?
It's not recommended to swim at Myall Beach because of crocodiles and the summer marine stingers. But it's still a gorgeous spot to go for a stroll and soak in the tropical views! Myall Beach is located right in the heart of crocodile territory, just like the rest of Tropical North Queensland. Saltwater crocodiles often hang out near river mouths, so definitely don't swim around the river mouth that separates north and south Myall Beach!
From November to May, the waters in this part of Queensland are also home to marine stingers, so you shouldn't swim in the ocean without a stinger suit. But even if it's not stinger season, and you're far away from the river mouth, the crystal clear water can be calm and inviting but you probably shouldn't swim. You technically can swim at your own risk and you might be safe, but there are warning signs at every beach entrance.
Myall Beach is also unpatrolled and there is little phone or internet service in Cape Tribulation, so it's best to stay safe and just admire the ocean from the shore. Most resorts in Cape Tribulation have a pool where you can cool off, and there are some freshwater swimming spots that we'll mention shortly!
Other things to do in Cape Tribulation
After enjoying Myall Beach in Cape Tribulation, further immerse yourself in the natural beauty and culture of the magnificent Daintree Rainforest. Here are some fun activities you can try while exploring this incredible part of Australia!
Take a boat tour to the Great Barrier Reef
You can book an Ocean Safari boat tour out to the Great Barrier Reef right from Cape Tribulation! This is an amazing way to see the reef without all the crowds that you might get around Cairns or even Port Douglas. Cape Tribulation is so far away from the hustle and bustle that your tour group will likely have the reef all to yourselves. Snorkel with vibrant marine life out on the reef, where crocodiles are not a risk and stinger suits are provided in summer!
Hike through the Daintree Rainforest
Further explore the wilderness of the world's oldest tropical rainforest with some hiking trails! Cape Tribulation is a great starting point for some rainforest hikes, and there are great options for people of all ages. The Kulki Boardwalk and Dubuji Boardwalk are short, easy, and accessible for everyone. You can also take on challenging treks up into the mountains, like Mount Sorrow.
Go horseback riding on the beach
One of the coolest experiences to have in Cape Tribulation is a horseback riding tour. Imagine climbing atop a majestic horse and strolling through the dense rainforests and idyllic beaches of Queensland. You'll travel with an expert guide through the lush greenery, and out onto the shores of Myall Beach where you can trot through the water. All safety instruction and equipment is provided!
Dine at a local eatery
Cape Tribulation is a tiny jungle town with very few amenities, so it's the perfect place to disconnect. However, there are a few highly-rated local eateries where you can fuel up for your rainforest adventures. Check out the Turtle Rock Cafe or Masons Cafe for light bites, or sit down for a nice dinner at WHET, the Cassowary Bar and Restaurant, or PK's Jungle Village. Speaking of food, be sure to taste some homemade tropical fruit ice cream at the Daintree Ice Cream Company on your way to or from Cape Tribulation!
Seek out a freshwater swimming hole
There are some gorgeous places to escape the Queensland heat around Cape Tribulation. These freshwater swimming holes are a safer alternative to swimming in the ocean at Myall Beach! Check out Masons Swimming Hole, located down a short track right next to Masons Cafe. Or head a little further north of Cape Tribulation and go swimming at Emmagen Creek where there is a fun rope swing!
